WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Seven Department of the Navy commands were recognized for exemplary achievements in energy and water efficiency at the Secretary of the Navy Energy and Water Management Awards ceremony Oct. 27.

"I think this year your achievements mean a little more than they have in the past," said Under Secretary of the Navy Robert Work, who represented Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus at the event. 'This year, Secretary Mabus has declared the reduction of the department's consumption of fossil fuels to be one of his three top priorities."

The annual event, which was held at the U.S. Navy Memorial & Naval Heritage Center, Washington, D.C., recognizes commands that lead the DoN in reducing energy and water consumption, increasing use of renewable energy sources and constructing sustainable facilities, all while maintaining mission readiness.

This year's SECNAV Award winners are:

• Naval Base Kitsap, Bremerton, Wash., winner of the Navy Large Shore Category, reduced energy intensity by 17 percent from a FY 2003 baseline and water consumption by 24 percent from the FY 2007 water baseline. The installation also maintains an energy waste hotline and has taken on several energy projects, such as HVAC system, lighting upgrades and installation of advanced boiler controls.

• Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, Kings Bay, Ga., winner of the Navy Small Shore Category, achieved a 45 percent energy reduction from their FY 2003 baseline and an 11 percent reduction from their FY 2007 water baseline. They also invested $4.5 million in energy and water saving initiatives, allowing them to avoid $550,000 in utility costs annually.

• Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division Keyport, Keyport, Wash., winner of the Industrial Category, has reduced total energy use by 12 percent from an FY 2003 baseline. Their innovative energy website not only provides energy efficiency information and resources, but also lists energy projects and on-going initiatives, allowing all base personnel the opportunity to see the progress their base is making. Notable FY 2008 energy projects included converting an antiquated heat system to high-efficiency natural gas heaters and installing remote boilers to remove six buildings from central steam.

• Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, San Diego, Calif., winner of the Marine Corps Large Shore Category, reduced energy intensity by 14.5 percent from an FY 2003 baseline and water intensity by 15 percent from their FY 2007 baseline. The base has completed multiple projects that tapped into the City of San Diego's reclaimed water line, avoiding nearly $1 million per year in water costs. Miramar was also selected as the pilot location under the DoD/Department of Energy Joint Venture Toward Net Zero Energy Installations.

• USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6), winner of the Large Ship Category, saved over 26,000 barrels of fuel in FY 2008 over the LHD 1 class average. By employing a comprehensive energy strategy that included fuel management, assessing the effects of waves and current and enhancing the efficiency of the engineering plant, the ship avoided costs of nearly $4.5 million.

• USS Halsey (DDG 97), winner of the Small Ship Category, saved over 34,000 barrels of fuel compared to the DDG 51 class average. Halsey achieved this unprecedented cost avoidance despite a high rate of deployment during the rating period. Their commitment to maximum fuel economy resulted in a cost avoidance of nearly $6 million.

Commands considered for the award underwent a rigorous evaluation of the overall energy and water management performance. Nine Platinum, 26 Gold and 37 Blue award-winning commands were also recognized during the ceremony.

Work stressed that Mabus has set aggressive energy goals aimed at enhancing the strategic, tactical and operational capabilities of the Navy and Marine Corps along with enhancing environmental stewardship. The goals include:

• Providing 50 percent of the Department of the Navy's total energy consumption by non-fossil fuel sources by 2020.

• Demonstrating a Green strike group of nuclear vessels and ships using biofuel in local operations by 2012 and sailing a "Great Green Fleet" composed of nuclear ships, surface combatants with hybrid electric power systems using biofuel, and aircraft flying only on biofuels by 2016

• Reducing the overall petroleum consumption of the department's commercial fuel fleet, which number 50,000 vehicles of all types around the world at all our bases and stations, by 50 percent by 2015

Work stated that the Department of the Navy is well on the way to accomplishing these goals due to the quality of its people.

"These are extremely ambitious goals," Work said. "Luckily, because of the long-term commitment to energy management demonstrated by this department, we have a great base from which to jump off from. The goals that the secretary has set lay out a vision for us. I have no doubt, myself, that we can achieve this vision. Secretary Mabus and I have the privilege of leading the finest organization in the world. The Department of the Navy is composed of Sailors, Marines and civilians who are up for any challenge."

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